Chapter 124

The drive home was quick, her guitar case safe in the backseat. Abigail parked, grabbed her things, and headed upstairs, her steps light with the thought of seeing Emma again.

When she opened the door, the warm smell of syrup and fruit still lingered faintly in the air. Emma was curled up on the couch this time, a blanket draped over her legs, her plate from breakfast cleared away on the coffee table. She looked up as soon as Abigail stepped in, her smile sleepy but bright.

“Hey, baby daddy,” Emma teased, her voice soft but warm.

Abigail set her guitar case down and leaned over the back of the couch to kiss her. “Hey, love. How are you feeling?”

“Better,” Emma admitted, shifting so Abigail could sit beside her. “Actually… I was hoping you’d be up for going to the basketball game tonight. Megan mentioned it earlier this week, and I think it’d be fun. I’m feeling good enough to go.”

Abigail’s brows lifted slightly, pleasantly surprised. “Yeah? You’re sure you’re up for it?”

Emma nodded, her hand resting lightly over her stomach. “Positive. I want to go out and do something fun with you.”

Abigail smiled, pressing a kiss to her cheek. “Then it’s settled—we’re going.” She pulled out her phone, typing quickly. Hey Megan, what time’s the game tonight?

The reply came fast: 7:30. I’ll have seats saved for you both. Can’t wait!

Abigail showed Emma the screen, grinning. “Looks like we’re set. Seven-thirty tip-off.”

Emma’s smile widened, her eyes bright. “Perfect. I can’t wait.”

Abigail tucked her closer under her arm, her voice low and affectionate. “Me neither. Feels good seeing you excited.”

Emma leaned into her shoulder, humming contentedly. “Feels good to be excited.”

The late afternoon sun filtered through the bedroom windows, painting the space in warm shades of amber. Emma stood in front of the mirror, adjusting her top and smoothing her hands down the fabric. She turned sideways, her lips parting just a little as she took in the curve of her belly.

Abigail came up behind her, slipping her arms gently around her waist and resting her chin on Emma’s shoulder. The sight in the mirror made her chest ache with love—Emma glowing without even realizing it.

Abigail’s hands drifted to Emma’s stomach, thumbs tracing slow, tender circles. She pressed a kiss to her cheek, her voice low and reverent. “You’re so beautiful.”

Emma’s eyes stayed fixed on her reflection, her fingers brushing lightly over Abigail’s. “I’m really showing… oh my God.” Her tone carried a mix of amazement and disbelief, like she was still trying to process it.

Abigail kissed her jaw, then her neck, lingering just long enough to make Emma smile. “You are. And it’s the most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen. That’s our baby right there. That’s us.”

Emma laughed softly, though her eyes shimmered. “You’re too sweet.”

“Not sweet,” Abigail corrected, her voice steady. “Honest. You’ve never looked more radiant.”

Emma turned in her arms, leaning into her, and Abigail kissed her softly, slow and full of meaning. Emma melted into it, her hands curling against Abigail’s shoulders like she never wanted to let go.

When they finally pulled apart, Emma rested her forehead against hers, a grin tugging at her lips. “Okay, Daddy. If you keep this up, we’re going to be late for the game.”

Abigail chuckled, squeezing her gently. “Worth it. But fine—we should get moving.”

Emma slipped into a light jacket, fussing with the zipper as Abigail tugged on her favorite gray hoodie and a pair of black sweatpants. Before standing fully, she bent and pressed a kiss to Emma’s belly, whispering, “Can’t forget you, little one. We’re all going to the game tonight.”

Emma laughed, brushing her fingers through Abigail’s hair. “You’re ridiculous.”

“Ridiculously in love with you,” Abigail shot back, standing tall and pulling the hood over her head playfully.

The drive across campus was quick, the windows cracked just enough to let in the cool evening air. Abigail pulled into the parking lot near the athletic center, her hoodie pulled snug around her and Emma bundled in her jacket. The faint echo of sneakers squeaking and music pumping through the speakers could already be heard even from outside.

Inside, the energy of game night hit instantly—students buzzing in the stands, the pep band tuning their instruments, cheerleaders warming up near the baseline. The gym smelled faintly of popcorn, Gatorade, and that unmistakable polish of a basketball court.

Abigail slipped her hand into Emma’s as they made their way down toward the reserved section of seats. Courtside was already roped off for players’ families and close friends, and waiting near the bench was Megan, bouncing a basketball lightly in her hands.

“Hey! There you two are!” Megan called, jogging over in her warmup gear. She was already glowing from pregame energy, her ponytail swinging as she reached them.

Emma smiled, squeezing Abigail’s hand as they stopped at the sideline. “We weren’t going to miss it.”

“You better not,” Megan teased, tossing the ball lightly from one hand to the other. Her grin softened as she looked at Emma. “You look good. Feeling better?”

Emma nodded. “Much better today. Excited for the game.”

“Good,” Megan said, her eyes flicking between the two of them with warmth. “We’ve got seats for you right here.” She pointed to the front row just behind the bench. “Best view in the house.”

Abigail gave her a grin, clapping her lightly on the shoulder. “We’ll be cheering you on.”

“You better be loud,” Megan shot back with a laugh before the coach whistled from across the court. She waved as she jogged back toward her teammates. “Enjoy the game!”

Abigail guided Emma to their seats, helping her settle before taking her own beside her. The lights overhead were bright, the band striking up a tune as the teams lined up for introductions. Emma leaned into Abigail’s side, her voice low but full of excitement.

“This is going to be fun,” she said, eyes sparkling.

Abigail kissed her temple, her hand resting protectively over her stomach. “Yeah, it is. Let’s make some noise for Megan.”

The lights dimmed briefly as the announcer’s voice boomed over the loudspeakers. “Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to tonight’s game!” The crowd erupted, students stomping their feet on the bleachers, the pep band blasting a triumphant melody.

Abigail glanced at Emma, who was already sitting forward on the edge of her seat, her eyes lit up with excitement. She chuckled, sliding an arm around her shoulders and pulling her closer. “You look like you’re about to get out there and play.”

Emma laughed, shaking her head. “Please. I’d trip over my own shoelaces. But this—this energy is amazing.”

The teams were introduced, each player jogging onto the court to cheers and applause. When Megan’s name was called, the gym shook with noise. Emma cupped her hands around her mouth and shouted, “Let’s go, Megan!” Abigail whistled loud enough to make Emma laugh.

The tip-off came, and the game began at a lightning pace. Sneakers squeaked against the polished floor, the ball thudding rhythmically as plays unfolded. Megan was a blur of focus—cutting, dribbling, passing with sharp precision. When she nailed a three-pointer, Emma jumped in her seat, clapping wildly.

“Okay, okay,” Abigail teased, leaning close to her ear. “You’re cheering louder for her than you do for me.”

Emma shot her a playful side-eye, her grin unstoppable. “Different arena, Daddy. Don’t get jealous.”

Abigail laughed, kissing her cheek before returning her attention to the court. “Fine. I’ll let it slide.”

The first half flew by in a flurry of points and timeouts. During a break, Abigail reached over and grabbed a water from the cooler beside their seats. She opened it and handed it to Emma. “Here. Gotta keep you hydrated.”

Emma accepted it with a soft smile. “Taking care of me even at a basketball game.” She squeezed Abigail’s hand, her voice dipping into something tender. “You’re the best.”

The buzzer sounded, pulling their attention back as the second half began. The game grew tighter, the score neck and neck. Megan fought hard on defense, her energy electric. When she intercepted a pass and sprinted down the court for a fast-break layup, Emma clutched Abigail’s arm, both of them jumping up with the crowd.

“Yes! That’s our girl!” Abigail shouted, unable to hold back her pride.

Emma leaned into her, her laughter bubbling over. “Okay, now I see where Megan gets her fan club—it’s us.”

“Damn right,” Abigail said with a grin, pressing a kiss to her temple.

By the final buzzer, Columbia had pulled ahead, the gym erupting in cheers as the scoreboard flashed victory. The team rushed the court, players hugging and high-fiving. Megan turned toward the stands and spotted them, grinning wide as she raised her arms in triumph.

Emma stood, clapping with all her energy, while Abigail wrapped an arm around her waist, steady and proud. Emma turned to her, her cheeks glowing from excitement, and pressed a soft kiss to Abigail’s lips.

“That was amazing,” Emma said, her voice hushed but overflowing with joy.

“Yeah,” Abigail murmured, smiling against her mouth. “And the best part? Sharing it with you.”

Before Emma could respond, a voice came from just behind them. “Abigail?”

They turned, and there stood Professor Shields, her dark hair pinned neatly back, a sharp blazer draped over her shoulders despite the casual gym setting. Her leather bag hung from one shoulder, her polished presence making her stand out in the sea of students.

Abigail straightened, her hand resting firmly on Emma’s waist. “Hey, Professor Shields,” she said evenly, her voice steady with pride. She glanced at Emma, then back at her professor. “This is the love of my life, Emma.”

Professor Shields gave a polite smile. “It’s nice to meet you, Emma.”

Emma returned the smile, her hand instinctively rubbing her stomach. “It’s nice to meet you too.”

Professor Shields’ eyes flicked down briefly, then back up. Her tone softened. “Are you feeling okay?”

Emma nodded, her smile unwavering. “Yes—just pregnant. But I’m good.”

Professor Shields’ expression smoothed again as she gave a polite nod. “Well, congratulations to you both. That’s wonderful news. I’ll let you two enjoy your night. I’ll see you in class, Abigail.”

“Of course,” Abigail replied simply, her arm tightening around Emma as she pressed a kiss to her temple.

Emma leaned into her, her voice low but steady once the professor melted back into the crowd. “That was handled.”

Abigail smirked softly, whispering, “Damn right it was.”